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    Bioinformatics. 2008 Feb 1;24(3):383-8. Epub 2007 Dec 16.

    A new algorithm for cluster analysis of genomic methylation: the Helicobacter pylori case.

    Source

    Engineering Faculty, Portuguese Catholic University, Estrada Octávio Pato, 2635-631 Rio de Mouro, Portugal. filipavale@fe.ucp.pt

    Abstract

    MOTIVATION:

    The genomic methylation analysis is useful to type bacteria that have a high number of expressed type II methyltransferases. Methyltransferases are usually committed to Restriction and Modification (R-M) systems, in which the restriction endonuclease imposes high pressure on the expression of the cognate methyltransferase that hinder R-M system loss. Conventional cluster methods do not reflect this tendency. An algorithm was developed for dendrogram construction reflecting the propensity for conservation of R-M Type II systems.

    RESULTS:

    The new algorithm was applied to 52 Helicobacter pylori strains from different geographical regions and compared with conventional clustering methods. The algorithm works by first grouping strains that share a common minimum set of R-M systems and gradually adds strains according to the number of the R-M systems acquired. Dendrograms revealed a cluster of African strains, which suggest that R-M systems are present in H.pylori genome since its human host migrates from Africa.

    AVAILABILITY:

    The software files are available at http://www.ff.ul.pt/paginas/jvitor/Bioinformatics/MCRM_algorithm.zip.

    PMID:
    18086685
    [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
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